Despite some negative publicity about who isn’t at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, there are more than 400 new models, concepts and exotics that will make a visit to the show a mouth-watering experience.

Available in four models, three of which are cheaper than their predecessors, the European-styled 1.8 litre Corolla offers a CVT transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox and the car already has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Nissan Pulsar, and the Juke - coming in 2013

For its part, Nissan has reversed one of the silliest moniker-changing decisions in the history of motoring. It has dropped the Tiida nameplate and brought back the Pulsar.

The 6 has always been a stylish mid-sizer, but the 2013 version takes ‘good looks’ to a new level. Despite being taller, longer and wider, the new model is lighter than its predecessor and petrol and turbo-diesel engines are now on offer.

Set for local launch next month, the 3.7 litre V6 petrol-powered CX-9’s new frontal treatment adopts Mazda’s new family face and the car boasts some technical upgrades for things like the audio and satellite-navigation systems.

Heavy-duty Colorado 7, neat Malibu

With only the Captiva 5 and 7 to keep it in the SUV game, Holden’s sales performance has as a result been somewhat inhibited.

But all that’s about to change when in December, the new Colorado 7 turbo-diesel arrives in dealer showrooms.

The General hasn’t had a tough off-road 4WD SUV since the demise of the Jackaroo back in 2005, and Holden boss Mike Devereux is clearly excited about the sales potential of his soon-to-arrive new baby.

Ford says the EcoSport will give customers accustomed to small city cars “a smart alternative that is about driving fun and freedom, compactness and agility and a contemporary family SUV shape that puts them in command of the road”.

When the EcoSport teams up with the Kuga and the Territory, Ford will have one of the strongest SUV line-ups in the country.

Certainly the most amazing car on the Ford stand – and one of the show-stoppers of the whole show – is the Evos concept.

Ford says it showcases a new vision for customer-focused and smart technologies and global design language.

The four-door, four-seat fastback concept uses lithium-ion plug-in hybrid powertrains and a dazzling array of cutting-edge electronic and IT goodies.

The Evos also offered an early look at the upcoming Mondeo - also on show in Sydney - before the new midsizer had been revealed earlier this year.

Korean track-twins

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Korean cousins Hyundai and Kia have their share of new product and interesting show cars.

When it arrives here next year, buyers will have the choice of a naturally aspirated V6, a supercharged V6 or a naturally aspirated V8 – each of which is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Given it’s the first genuine two-seat sports car Jaguar has produced in more than 50 years, the F-Type is a hugely significant car.

Bullish exotica: Lamborghini’s Aventador

Lamborghini didn’t care that its Italian competitors Ferrari and Maserati have stayed away.

The VW Group-owned supercar brand has the strikingly aggressively styled $754,000 Aventador LP700-4 as the star of its stand.

The flagship of the Lambo range, its lightweight 60-degree V12 engine can catapult the car to 100km/h in an eye-popping 2.9 seconds.

Lamborghini also showed off its strictly-limited and devilishy handsome Sesto Elemento.

Mercedes A-Class Surprise

With Audi and BMW missing in action, Mercedes-Benz carries the flag at the show for the premium German brands.

Some is the stuff of dreams. But the real feast is in the head-spinning diversity of automotive choice – the sheer numbers of makes and models, and the astonishing technologies now loaded into ‘everyday cars’ – in this incredibly crowded Australian market.

If there was any doubt we were spoiled, take a walk through the 2012 Australian International Motor Show.

TMR Comments

5 valve per cylinder | 22 Oct 2012 00:42

Best Concept for sure was the Lexus LF-LC, the stand it was on though was rotating quite quickly. Glorious Aston Martin 0ne-77.. do think it isn't worth the 4 million they are charging for it. Sesto Elemento is simply Wow!, Lamborghini needs to build that car even just for a limited batch. Was very impressed with the Volkswagen UP, all new Corolla and Mazda 6. Noticed a lot of people asking and converging on not to be sold here lovely Kia Quoris sedan.

amlohac | 22 Oct 2012 01:54

That corolla photo with all the people round it, one arm raised is... a little unfortunate i guess you could say.

runnaln amlohac | 22 Oct 2012 06:27

At least it was not a car from North West Europe, between Holland and Poland.:D